102 September 19 - 25, 2024 dallasobserver.com DALLAS OBSERVER CONTENTS | READERS’ PICKS | SHOPPING & SERVICES | ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT | FOOD & DRINK | SPORTS & RECREATION Best Espresso Martini Cosmo’s The espresso martini has had quite the run the past couple of years, and it’s pretty ubiquitous at this point, but some bars put their hip into it. Case in point: Cosmo’s, which starts with house-made Vietnamese coffee, a substantially richer elixir that packs a buzzy punch. The Vietnamese coffee is mixed with Van Gogh Espresso Vodka and Kahlua then tossed in a tumbler and shaken into a creamy smooth bliss. They only make a certain amount each day; when it’s gone, it’s gone, so go early. 1212 Skillman St. 214-826-4200, cosmosloungedallas.com Best Cocktail Vessel 4 Kahunas Tiki Lounge It’s difficult to imagine a more fun setting for a cocktail than 4 Kahunas Tiki Lounge. The moment you step inside, you’re transported to a Polynesian island haven. Thankfully, the drinks might even surpass the fantastical decor. The fact of the tropical matter is the look of a proper tiki cocktail has to be every bit as on-point as the taste does. The aesthetic, theme and booze all collide in a perfectly fun way when it comes to any of the powerful, fruity 4 Kahunas cocktails served in their shark mugs. We love sipping right out of the shark’s mouth, but the little drizzle of red syrup trailing from the open mouth is the drama we desire. 506 E. Division St., No. 160, Arlington 682-276-6097, 4kahunas.com Best Local Beer Lakewood Temptress While so much of the Dallas beer scene revels in variants of IPAs, it’s a different local beer on the opposite end of the spectrum that we most love to see in various forms and flavors. The Temptress, Lakewood Brewing’s beloved imperial milk stout, has been offered in mint, peanut butter, Oreo, raspberry and gingerbread forms, just to name a few. And they’re all spectacular. Of course, the original base version is always enough to satiate us on its own. One of the most storied beers from one of the best breweries around will always be at the top of our list. Best Local Beer Store Lone Star Beverages When the local craft brewery boom started over a decade ago, Lonestar Beverage in Carrollton was already slinging the best beers from not only local breweries but from the best craft breweries in Colorado, Oregon and elsewhere, including many few around here knew about. As the craft beer scene and tastes have evolved, so, too, has this shop. If there’s a little-known IPA from Maine, a sour ale from Florida, a hard tea from New England or a slushy beer from Austin that you want but no one seems to have, you haven’t checked Lone Star Beverage out yet. 3065 N. Josey Lane, No. 62, Carrollton 469-809-4900, lonestarbeverages.com Best Cocktail in a Real Glass in a Historic Movie Theater Baby Fay at the Texas Theatre Taking in a flick, no, a film, at the Texas Theatre in Oak Cliff feels like a refreshingly analog experience when compared with the soulless modernity of your local theater. That hand-crafted experience can be upgraded a great deal by stopping by the classy bar before you find your seat. The refreshing Baby Fay is also a rather stout drink, consisting of tequila, ginger beer, hibiscus and lemon. It beats an Icee at Cinemark any day of the week. 231 Jefferson Blvd. 214-948-1546, thetexastheatre.com Best Brewery for the Whole Family Oak Cliff Brewing Co. If one spot in Dallas best embodies “chill,” it’s here. Tyler Station’s lowkey taproom JP Hunter 4 Kahunas Tiki Lounge // BEST COCKTAIL VESSEL
